Driver guides · October 21, 2026

If you smell exhaust inside the passenger cabin, move into fresh air and stop using the vehicle. If you are still moving, open the windows and reach the nearest safe place without continuing the trip. Switch the engine off after stopping and do not sit inside with it idling.

Once everyone is safely away from the fumes and traffic, call Rick’s at (312) 451-5785 to discuss a compatible tow in Lake View East or Chicago’s North Side. If anyone feels ill, there is a fire or the vehicle is creating an immediate traffic danger, call 911 first.

Engine exhaust can contain carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. Carbon monoxide itself has no smell, so the odor you notice should not be used to judge how much exposure has occurred. A smell inside the cabin can indicate that exhaust is entering an area where it should not be.

Ford’s owner-manual guidance says to have the vehicle inspected immediately and not to drive when exhaust fumes are smelled inside. Hyundai’s exhaust-emission guidance directs drivers to open the windows fully and obtain immediate inspection and repair.

Instructions vary by vehicle, so check the manual for your exact year and model. The important service decision is that an exhaust smell calls for mechanical inspection; roadside starting assistance does not identify or repair the source.

If the odor appears while driving, open the windows and leave active traffic at the nearest safe opportunity. Park in an open area, shut off the engine and move occupants into fresh air. Do not remain inside the vehicle while waiting for service.

Do not restart the engine in a closed garage or enclosed parking area. Do not crawl under the vehicle or try to locate an exhaust leak beside moving traffic. A photograph of the dashboard and a simple description of when the odor appeared are more useful than exposing yourself again to demonstrate it.

If the car is already inside a garage, tell Rick’s before service is arranged. Share the garage level, clearance, gate access, ramp position and whether the engine is currently off. Those details affect whether a safe pickup can be planned.

For a Lake View East pickup near Broadway, Belmont Avenue, Sheridan Road or DuSable Lake Shore Drive, give the street number, nearest cross street and the direction the vehicle faces. If the car is behind a building, identify the street that reaches the alley or lot entrance.

For low-clearance or restricted parking, review the garage and tight-space towing guide. Keep the engine off while you wait and do not move the vehicle solely to make loading easier.

Need a tow after smelling exhaust inside the car? Call (312) 451-5785. We’ll discuss the vehicle, pickup access and repair destination, then confirm compatibility, availability, an arrival estimate and the quote.